Giants

MLB Commissioner: Giants-Rangers Series ‘Great For Baseball’

Freddy Sanchez #21 of the San Francisco Giants hits an RBI double in the third inning against the Texas Rangers in Game One of the 2010 World Series at AT&T Park on October 27, 2010. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Giants Central

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) — Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig spent part of Thursday meeting with baseball’s bankers, and told them the World Series matchup was a demonstration of the sport’s competitive balance.

“It is the most important manifestation of what we set out to do in the ’90s – create as much competitive balance as you can,” he said, speaking just before Thursday’s Game 2 of the World Series. “When the San Francisco Giants are playing against the Texas Rangers, that says it all, and it’s great for baseball.”

Selig also said he was willing to consider expanding the playoffs as early as next year.

He indicated that a larger postseason might not have to wait for collective bargaining with the players’ association.

Union head Michael Weiner said earlier this week that any potential changes adding playoff teams wouldn’t be implemented until at least the 2012 season.

“Obviously, we have to talk to the union,” Selig said. “These are all details we have to work out. While I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it, we have a lot of different opinions on the subject – how to do it, if to do it.”

Since 1995, eight of the 30 baseball teams have made the playoffs. In the NFL, 12 of 32 teams make the playoffs. In the NBA and NHL, 16 of 30 teams advance to the postseason.

In recent months, Selig has appeared increasingly open to adding more wild-card teams.

“We’ve got to work out a lot of detail, see what interest there is and why, and then we’ll take it to all of the constituencies,” he said.

Weiner said his members are open to more playoff teams and to possibly extending the division series to a best-of-seven as part of negotiations on the labor contract to replace the one expiring Dec. 11, 2011.

Selig said expanding the first round would be difficult because of weather concerns – he mentioned how it had snowed in Minneapolis this week.